CHADRA

Hello everyone,

Once again, thank you to all those who have made contributions to the newsletter, and to all newcomers to the village, we say welcome. Perhaps you would like to add your bit to the Newsletter – please send us any letters, articles or stories that would be interesting to our readers.

We have had a good response to our invitation to take advertisements from local business, so if you would like to place an ad please submit the details to us and we will include it in the next issue.

Eds.

* * * * * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – 12th JULY 1990 * * * * * * * *

Joint Editors Mary Hall xx Durham Road Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Distribution Mike Cheskin xx Farm Lees Charfield Tel: Dursley 84xxxx
Jenny Peaster xxx Manor Lane Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Duplicating John Butler x Thames Close Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

The vast majority of us are very fortunate – both in our circumstances and in our families. How grateful the majority of us are that we have been blessed with healthy children. We read about such sad cases in the papers, on broadcast news, or in conversation with friends. It is not until we hear of these that we are aware of how fortunate we are.

I would like to share one such case that I have heard about with you. I have heard about this in a roundabout way but that does not lessen the challenge of the story. There is a small boy of seven who is at present dying with a malignant tumour of the brain. He has an ambition to get into the Guinness Book of Records by receiving a greater number of Get-Well cards than anyone has received before! It is very moving under the circumstances and a sign that he is still an alert and lively little boy. I have already mentioned this to some of my friends and now I am doing so to you in case like some of them, you may like to help to make his dream come true. (If you do, it may be of interest to him to know how you came to hear about him). This is his name and address:- Craig Sherbald, xx Shelby Rd., Carshalton, Surrey SN5 1LL. Thank you.

I know that all who read this will feel very sorry about it. There are some who will want to go further and whose mind will ask, Why? Why should such a thing happen? It is by no means a unique event. There are some who will phrase it differently and say, ‘Why does God let it happen?’ Of courses if you don't believe in God, you don't see the problem in that way. You think it is sad, tragic, but that's life: just how things are – no explanation possible or called-for. The question as to why God lets it happen is the question of those who believe that life is a good thing, that it is moving in a good direction (on the whole), that it has a purpose and that it is moving towards a definite, and good, goal. In other words, there is a Power for-good that is working out a purpose-for good. If you believe that, the intrusion of evil into the scheme of things IS a problem, a puzzle that challenges that belief. (Of course, to challenge a belief is not to overthrow it. It may eventually strengthen it).

To put it simply: if God is good, and if He is doing good, why does He let evil put a spanner in the works? It isn't possible to answer that question fully because we don't know all about God. But some thoughts lead us a little along the way to understanding. One thing is this: we have been given freedom in life to choose, to do. We really would hate it if when we chose to do something an invisible power whipped in and stopped us. How frustrating! we can choose and do – right and wrong. God has built freedom into the pattern of the universe which means that people can go wrong (and do wrong) and cells can go wrong (that means cancer): we do not understand yet why. We have to take the rough with the smooth, it seems.

Another thing more important than this is the following: the really important thing in life is not how to understand things but how to face and overcome things, even the worst of things. The point about Christian Faith is that through relationship with God, with Jesus Christ, we find strength and insight to face and overcome the worst in life. In fact when faced with God, they become a creative force in our personality – a positive good. That is much better than to grin and bear it! I'll gladly talk to any who wish to do so.

Kenneth Grant.

2

If you do not attend a place of worship already, please be assured of a very warm welcome at any of our meetings or services.

“Old Friends”

Amongst the many thousands of children evacuated from London during the height of the Blitz in the summer of 1940, were two brothers, Robin and Lewis Berks, who at the tender age of eight and ten years respectively, came to dwell amidst, what for them must have seemed a strangely unfamiliar Cotswold country village of Charfield. Green fields, hedgerows, haystacks and cows, were hitherto attractive rustic features of scenery confined to the pages of Natural History books, and to boys accustomed to the noisy hustle and bustle of city traffic, the quiet country lanes (such as they were in the good old days – prior to present day chaos) provided an almost paradisical setting for an entirely new and significant stage in their lives.

For it was here that, coming as they both did from a good Christian home, the boys began to attend Sunday School at the Chapel. They also attended week-night meetings for youngsters like ‘Band of Hope’ or ‘Christian Endeavour’, good Christian folk like the late Harry Russell J.P. not to mention the indefatigable Miss Turner, and many others, Charfield Chapel came to stand for something very special in their lives, and high upon the list of their most important and sacred memories would be the happily idyllic one of wartime days spent in this village, and in particular at the Chapel.

So it is that today, after so many years, when the boys have grown into somewhat older ‘boys’, and have grown up children and grandchildren of their own, they still seek to come back each year for a special family reunion. Both are active church members in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and Robin, who has recently taken Early Retirement from business life, is in fact a very capable and enthusiastic Local Preacher. It was our real joy to welcome them all back here again this year on Mothering Sunday when Robin preached at our afternoon service, – which incidentally was our last afternoon service of the winter. (We now revert to Evening Service at 6 pm during the summer) Robin mentioned during his sermon that one of his most vivid childhood memories was that of the words of the text over the pulpit, – WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS, and once again it was good to enjoy yet another act of worship together with such very special old friends.

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.”

Preachers for April, May, and June (Sunday evening services at 6 pm)

E.L.

3

I've just looked at my calendar and realised the deadline for copy was a week ago! PANIC!!

Phew! Jenny was very forgiving even before I started crawling – but I did promise to have this round to her within the hour!

Let's start with the story so far – The Spring Term saw us involved in three events. First was a “Information Evening” on the National Curriculum which was very revealing and led to some interesting discussion amongst those present.

Secondly, we had our Cheese and Wine Evening which this year presented participants with the challenge of not only identifying the countries of origin of the wines and cheeses, but also of building an object to represent the country. After careful consideration by the judges, prizes were announced amidst approving cries such as “Fix”, “Fiddle”, etc!

The final event was a “Science Evening” at which we could see and try out many of the experiments which our kids carry out at school.

Now for the commercial! The Summer Fair is to be held at the school on Saturday, 9th June, including all the usual attractions. This year we are holding a Grand Draw for such marvellous prizes as a colour television, a camera and radio cassette player. Tickets will be available during May, but numbers will be strictly limited so buy them when you can! The draw will take place during the Summer Fair, so come along to find out if you've won!

John MacLellan
Chairman

This Club along with the Charfield Hall Management Committee, are staging a Flower and Vegetable Show, to be held in the Village Hall on Saturday, 8th September, as one of the main attractions of the new “Autumn Show”. We hope this will be the start of a popular venture and that local people will support it and make it a success. With so many people “going green” – at least we know what it's been sprayed with, if at all – come along all you gardeners, get out that packet of seeds and get growing! Maybe you could win first prize, there is something for everyone to join in and compete.

Schedules, as in this Newsletter, and Entry Forms will be available from Over 40 Club Members, Hall Management Committee, and Charfield Post Office (with many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton), two weeks before the show.

So – remember the date – 8TH SEPTEMBER!

See you,

Pat White

4

As I start my year as Chairman I would like to thank Laurene for her past year and the retiring Committee Members for all their hard work and hope that the year ahead will prove just as rewarding.

This year's committee consists of myself as Chairman, Laurene Tubb – Secretary, Joy Jones – Treasurer, Wendy Taylor – Booking Secretary, with other members of the committee – Joyce Hutley, Chris Lamont, Barbara Mann, Dorothy Price, Sue Scoble, Jean Strange, Sharon Vale, Linda Watson and Gwen Webb – to them all I say, welcome.

When I look about the village and see the number of houses compared to our numbers at Young Wives I wonder what you can all be doing on the third Thursday of each month which prevents you from joining us – so now that the lighter nights are here leave hubby with the children, don the glad rags and join us at the hall at 8 p.m.

I can assure you all of a very entertaining evening on 17th May when we will be joined by the Rev. Chris Lee. Do not let his title put you off, you will be amazed I'm sure.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking W.I. who invited Young Wives to their last meeting. Those who attended I'm sure enjoyed themselves. It is certainly true what they tell us – it is definitely not all Jam Making if their correspondence is anything to go by. Thank you W.I.

We are holding a Coffee Morning with Bingo for all you stay-at-homes, from 10 a.m. on 9th May. Look out for the posters around the village for our next action packed evening.

Hope to see you in the near future:

Jenny Bell
Chairlady

The coming of the A.G.M. draws near when we look forward to another twelve month of activities, a new Committee and Officers, maybe. It is quite challenging to plan speakers, outings, etc., but above all the financing of the Club. We are hoping to get more new members again. This year we enrolled some from the neighbouring villages. We welcome new-comers – a mini-bus picks them up and returns them to their doors.

We hope to arrange outings to the sea and countryside, full days and half days, in the coming months.

Come and spend an afternoon with us on alternate Wednesdays. Mrs. Amer (Falfield 26xxxx) or myself (Falfield 26xxxx) will be pleased to hear from you.

Ernest Orton
Chairman

The Unit will be at Charfield Village Hall on May 24th and 25th.

Anyone wishing to donate blood, but not already doing so, just come along between 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. or 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

5

Sitting Service for Relief of Carers

Many people, caring for relations with various handicaps or infirmity caused by age, are in very great need of some form of voluntary sitting service.

Some months ago a group of interested people met to consider whether and how a Sitting Service could be set up in the Thornbury area. They have met several times since then. Various interested groups have sent representatives, Social Services have offered to provide training sessions for volunteer carers, and Thornbury and District Volunteer Link have offered to provide a base for such a service to operate from.

Now it is time to form an official Sitting Service Committee to get the service actually started. Therefore, a Public Meeting has been called on Wednesday, 6th June at Siblands Adult Training Centre in Gillingstool, Thornbury, from 7–9 p.m. Everyone with an interest in seeing a Sitting Service started is invited to attend, and invitations will be sent to suitable groups. But don't worry if your group has not been invited. Just come along – we hope to see a good number of people on 6th June, and make a start on providing relief for the many carers in this area.

Clare Fardell (Volunteer Co-ordinator)

Telephone – (24 hour answerphone)
0454-41xxxx

The recent house to house collection realised the sum of £306.71. Thank you to everyone who donated and also thanks to the collectors.

If anyone would like to have a collecting box to use within their own home please contact me. Additional funds are constantly needed by the society, in connection with the many different projects which are presently being undertaken to help disadvantaged children, young people and families, regardless of their colour, race or religion.

I should be delighted to hear from you, if you are able to further help the children's society.

C.P. Temme
Telephone Falfield 26xxxx
Charities' Secretary – St John's Church

Here is the new time-table for the Mobile Information service:

CHARFIELD, near Post Office 2.00–2.45 April 5/19 May 3/17/31 June 14/28 July 12/26 Aug no service Sept 6/20

Avon Community Council is trying to increase awareness of the Mobile and I am available to give short talks to village groups which meet during the day, any day except Thursdays. The talk lasts about 15 mins. and I would be happy to answer any questions afterwards about the information we carry on the van. Please contact me on Bristol 73xxxx if you. are interested.

Rita Sangster
Information/Publicity Officer

6

When writing for this issue of the Newsletter I was determined not to start my item with “Once again our Brownies have been extremely busy”, but can I help it if they never stop!

So instead of dwelling on past achievements I'll tell you about forthcoming events. Work is progressing on the Radio Communications Badge. A visit is planned to one of our local farms to see the calves and lambs. A Campfire is being arranged at Conygres (let's hope the weather is kinder than last year!) Now that the light evenings are with us again we will he spending as many Pack Meetings as possible out and about around the village.

Some of our Brownies are collecting litter around the village. While this is a worthwhile job, I can think of many more pleasant things to do in the summer evenings than picking up litter dropped by people who should know better. So, come on Charfield, make a Brownie grin, don't drop it on the pavement, put it safely in a Bin!

It now only remains for me to finish this item with the usual:-
If you have a daughter who would like to join Brownies, please contact Mrs. Smith (26xxxx) or Mrs. MacLellan (26xxxx) to have her name added to our waiting list.

Vi MacLellan

February 22nd in the Guide Calendar is known as Thinking Day, when all the Brownies and Guides celebrate the joint birthdays of Lord Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell. On February 25th all the Brownies and Guides in the district met at St. Leonards Church, Tortworth, for a Thinking Day Service. Anna Pemberton was chosen to do a reading on “Thinking Day”. Mrs. T. McLusky led the Brownies to renew their Brownie promise and Mrs. Smith led the Guides and any ex-Guiders to renew theirs.

On March 7th Mr. Maurice Golding came to talk to the girls on Crime Prevention. He is from Gloucester Police Station and the girls enjoyed the evening and learnt a lot. They were given leaflets to read up on and after a couple of weeks he came back and tested them – with great joy, all the girls passed. Many of you may know Mr. Golding as he used to live in Manor Lane about 7 years ago. It is hoped that in May we will be having a visit from a W.P.C. also from Gloucester to talk to the girls on the dangers of drugs. On April 28th, at the Patrol Leaders' request, we went to K.L.B. Sports Hall for a game of Uni-Hockey.

If you have a Guide uniform you would like to sell, please let me know, as we have about 7 Brownies due to come up in the next few months. The new Brownie and Guide uniform is to he launched on April 18th, but will not be available until late summer. All members of the movement will be able to continue wearing the current uniform for at least three years, so don't feel you have to buy the new one straight away. Catalogues for the uniform will be with Mrs. Smith, Mrs. MacLellan, Mrs. Barclay and myself.

By the time this Newsletter is issued we will have had our Jumble Sale and I would like to thank everyone who supported us – also the helpers on the day. I hope to put some of the money towards buying part of the new uniform.

M. Westlake
Guide Guider

7

1990–1991 SEASON

Now is the time to dive into the depths of the wardrobe to seek the well worn and comfortable daps, to charge down to the sports shop for the latest Wimbledon gear and find the well hidden racquet – will the strings hold out another year!

The tennis season has begun and with the weather improving it would be very nice to see the tennis court used as much as possible. Membership fees are due now and members should pay their fees to the Treasurer, Anne Stoakes, as soon as possible in order to get their new keys. For new members wanting to join, the fees are:-

Seniors	–	£12.00
Juniors	–	£5.00
Family	–	£27.00

If you want to join, please ring Anne on Dursley 84xxxx and she will explain how the club runs.

In the past the club has had a very full membership (in excess of 70 seniors and juniors) although, with previous summers not proving to be the best weatherwise, the court has not shown this number of people making the most of the facility. There are still the valiant faithful few who play regularly in rain or shine, winter or summer, thus reminding us that it is a facility the village does not want to lose. It is a way to keep fit and at the same time a place to meet and make friends.

The start of the season begins with the American Tournament, a not too serious competition where everybody mixes up partners and plays with everyone. The standard of play is variable and there are prizes at the end. The date for this major event is Sunday 29 April and games will start at 2.00 pm. The primus will be busy brewing the tea for the thirsty and we might even get round to making the cucumber sammies and cherry genoa.

1990 is the big year for the tennis club, plans are going ahead for the second court, grants have been applied for and we will have to make a special effort to raise money as this is not a cheap project, So please, please support us. Great Britain needs tennis champions, somewhere in Charfield there might be a young person who could make it with help. The second court will mean we can offer more coaching for the young of the village, we can become affiliated to other tennis organisations and benefit from their experience, we can enter league matches and encourage the better players to raise their standards and we can still enjoy our tennis even if we never make Wimbledon.

Our fund raising events will be publicised and we hope you will support us.

If you want any more information contact the club secretary, Claire Haines on Dursley 84xxxx or for American Tournament info – Jacky Swallow Dursley 84xxxx.

We'll be there, will you?

8

Hello,

May I introduce the new Committee for Charfield Mother and Toddlers and say a fond goodbye to the old.

Firstly, many thanks to the old committee and well done for all their good work and fundraising throughout the last year, they have left us with a good legacy.

Now, may I introduce the new Committee for the year 90/91. We have:-

Sally Smith, Myra Evans, Claire Saunders, Shirley Firth, Jane Stubbs, Denise Beale, Sue Nash and Lesley Leahay.

I hope all existing members will continue to support us, it's always good to see you. Any new mums to the area, please come along and see us, you are always very welcome. We have coffee, tea and cakes and loads of toys and activities for the children (Aged 0–3 years). If you feel at all shy please make yourself known to any Committee member or phone me (phone no at the back of this newsletter) and we will look out for you, and try our best to make you feel welcome.

That's about all the news for this time – hope to see you all, every Thursday 10.15–11.30 am.

Bye for now

Elaine Popham
SECRETARY

If you have any more dates for the next issue – please ring the Editors

OVERHEARD CONVERSATION

“Oh, I don't think I will come to play golf tonight; It's such a lovely evening I thought I would take advantage of the lovely weather”.

“That's a good idea – what are you planning?”

“I thought I'd get a video and watch it at home!”

9

The Meningitis Trust phoned me to say that their President, Princess Diana would be making a visit to their Headquarters, in Stroud. Would I be interested in standing amongst the crowd fund raising?

It happened to be half term and Keith had the day off so Monday 19th February found us outside the building shaking collecting tins. Well, the children were, I had my body squashed up against the railing staking our place for when she arrived and I wasn't going to budge. At 11.30 she arrived – got out of the car, shook hands with a few high-up police bods and then of course, Meningitis Trust personnel and collected bouquets from some selected children at the door and in she went. It was absolutely chucking it down.

A dear policeman came up and said that we might as well go and get shelter as she was not due out for at least 1½ hours and we'd be drenched. Half the crowd decided to leave – we stayed rooted to the spot. The same policeman came hurrying back to us saying that Princess Di was now skipping lunch and would be leaving at 12.20, and as long as it was not pouring she would do a walkabout.

We all had a good laugh in the crowd passing round goodies to keep our children quiet and telling each other that they'd better get their brollies out of the way while photos were being taken.

Suddenly, there she was. She thanked everyone at the door of the Trust and then crossed over the road to the waiting crowd. I was madly snapping away with my modest camera as she moved along towards us.

I thrust my arm towards her and we shook hands. “Hello,” she said, and acknowledged Keith's M.T. sweatshirt as she had been presented with two for her boys. “Do you live near here?” she enquired. I explained that we were Londoners and now living in Gloucestershire. “Oh, very good” she said. She patted Sophie and Lawrence on their heads. “Oh, aren't you wet – I shall be getting into trouble for this,” and off she went.

She is absolutely gorgeous.

A reporter shoved her recorder up my nose and wanted to know what she had said to us. “Oh, come back when I've finished taking my snaps,” I told her. I felt an excitement and euphoria I suppose you'd call it, to be face to face with this wonderful lady – a megastar which is surely what she has become, plastered all over the world's press – and to be having a conversation with her. It was too much. She thanked all the officials climbed in her limo and went.

The press sent in to the Trust all the photos taken on the day to be ordered, if required.

I now have in my possession, a photograph of me and my children with dripping hair staring gobsmacked into the lovely face of Princess Diana.

For the first time in the ten years that I have been living in Charfield I have faced a new experience. I have been taking the bus. The reason for my carlessness I must keep to myself.

I have seen over hedges, peered into beautifully kept gardens and furthermore chatted to strangers who soon developed into friends by the journey's end. One lady I started chatting to told me where she got on and I told her the road I lived in. I was travelling to Dursley.

10Well, she was just about to embark on some juicy gossip about some folks hereabouts when she started to get up.

“Where are you going?” I asked, “Oh, I get off here,” she said. “Well, I'll see you next week then,” I insisted, desperate to hear more. “Oh no“ she replied, “I only come to Wotton once a fortnight.“ I haven't seen her since.

When I was at the ‘going to the Brownies’ age, one week I'd go to my best friend Vanessa's house for tea and the following week she would come to me. She was O.K. on reflection but always did everything that I wanted to do first. I don't know whether it had anything to do with the fact that her Dad was a Gold and Silversmith in the City. She had her hair permed at the age of 8, had a signet ring and a Petite typewriter and then had a pair of red and black patent SLIP ON shoes for Sunday school with those lavatory pan heels!

Anyway her name was de Bossart and of course everyone called her bossy Bossart and I'm telling you this because we always had chocolate cup cakes which I love, before we went to Brownies.

It was my birthday last week and I'm one of those who has an excuse to purchase anything yummy.

I was in Tesco's standing gazing at the said cup cakes, not quite unreachable on the top shelf.

I gently picked up a packet and within the very next second the corner of my packet nudged the edge of yet another packet to its side and four boxes of cup cakes fell and landed on the head of the lady stacking the bottom shelf. Well you can imagine how I felt can't you.

“Are you alright? Shall I get management?” Caring concerned questions flowed from my mouth. She announced and assured me through a dazed look of ‘I can't believe this is happening to me’ that she was alright and I moved off. When I told my Dad about it he said ‘she was obviously cuptivated’.

I walked on a bit and spied another Charfield Shopping person. (I won't mention her name) but she said they wouldn't taste nice with blood on.

All delicious thoughts rapidly leaving my head.

I moved to the baked beans and bumped into a Tesco member of staff who also works at the bar of the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. I know this because we bumped into each other whilst I was tap dancing on the stage, the other month. (I'll tell you about that another time).

Well I told her what had happened and how sick I felt let alone how the poor woman felt and what did she think? Well she absolutely collapsed, thought the whole event hilarious and said the woman was blooming lucky she wasn't stacking tins!!

See you soon.

Bye.

Marilyn Smith

11

“How this year has flown” – it seems to be a very familiar cry, even young people are voicing the same expression these days. Is it because we are seeking to fill our lives with more and more activities, or are we just sitting and letting time fly by?

Well, Spring is here at last, and at one time it was the signal for the housewife to have the carpets up and beaten outside, and one could see the dust rising from the slam of the carpet beater. “Whatever is she talking about?” many will say; which goes to prove how fortunate we are to have such modern amenities in the home today, easing the housewife's lot, and the ritual of Spring-cleaning, which seems a thing of the past.

Even so, we all like to freshen up our homes at this time of year, and not least ourselves! So why not come along to your local W.I. and mentally recharge your batteries – it will be quite a Spring-clean experience.

By the time this is in print some of our events will have passed. On March 30th a group of our members went to the Drama Festival Gala Performance in the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Those of us who were unable to go were made to feel we had missed a ‘Great Evening’ of talent and fun; but with their enthusiastic report we were made to feel part of it. April 12th will have seen our first ‘open’ evening of the year, when we hope many of you will have decided to take the leap and join us! Our next Open evening will be October 11th when Mr West of Wyevale Garden Centre will talk on “Gardens in the making”. October seems some way ahead yet, – but it's a date for your diary.

May 10th is our Resolution evening – with a surprise event to follow! Two of the Resolutions which we will discuss and vote upon are:-

1. To urge the Government to use all its powers to ban Bovine Somatotropin (BST) and to withhold the granting of licences for the distribution of BST in this country.
2. To urge the Government to do everything in its power to persuade other countries – especially those which are party to the Atlantic Treaty, that Antarctica be declared a wilderness park within which the extraction of oil and minerals and other commercial, military and polluting activities should not be permitted.

Two issues which need our serious thought and concern for its effects on the human life and Nature in the future. Surely these issues prove that the W.I. is not just ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ as some would say – but a LIVING ORGANISATION that is concerned with the matters of TODAY.

Our annual outing in July is a visit to the ‘Package Museum’ at Gloucester – from accounts of those who have visited there – this place is certainly worthy of a visit.

Then again as it is the 75th Anniversary of the N.F.W.I. the federation of Wales is holding a special Anniversary Exhibition at the Welsh Folk Museum, St Fagans, Cardiff. We plan to visit there on August 30th – when members of the Little Avon Group will also be joining with us. We shall also be keeping fingers crossed that the sun will shine as Charfield members are planning to hold a picnic within the beautiful grounds there.

Time does not allow me to add many other points of interest which are worthy of a mention – but do come along and see for yourselves, what the W.I. can offer you. We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you, and your ideas – remember we meet the 2nd Thursday of each month (except August) at the Village Hall, 7.30 pm.

See you there
Daphne Looker

12

If you can't face the battle against the crowds in your local shopping centre and prefer to do your shopping in the comfort of your own front room then mail order is perfect for you. But, as with all types of shopping, it does have its pitfalls and it is best to make yourself familiar with these before spending too much of your hard-earned money.

Before doing anything else you should fully read any instructions or small print in the advertisement or catalogue thus making sure that if anything goes wrong then you are acquainted with what options are open.

If the goods that you order are unsuitable, that means that you don't like them or they don't fit, then it is usually the case that you can get a refund on them. You will normally have to pay the postage to return them and it is possible that this may have to be done within certain time limits. Check what the advert or catalogue says so that you don't lose out by sending something back too late.

If what you have ordered arrives and it doesn't work or is faulty for some reason then you are entitled to a full refund or a replacement if you prefer. Although you should return the item as soon as possible, you don't have to do it within the time limits set in the agreement. In this situation you have an automatic right to your money back or replacement as well as having the right to a refund of any postage costs.

If your goods arrived to you damaged from delivery then technically you have no automatic right of replacement from the trader. However, in practice, many mail order companies will take the responsibility for anything damaged in the post. If not, you are entitled to claim against the Post Office or whoever delivered the goods.

If the goods do not arrive within a reasonable time, normally 28 days, then you should make contact with the trader asking that the goods be sent within 7 days or that they send you a refund. If they still don't arrive and it's clear that they were never sent then you are entitled to your money back. If the trader has proof that they were sent and that they have been lost on delivery again you will have to claim against whoever made up the delivery. It is best to get the trader to follow it up for you as they have a more detailed idea of the despatch than you do.

If any of the above has happened to you or you have any other difficulties with mail order and you are not sure of the best steps to take then go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau who will be happy to advise you.

We are at the Council Office in the Chipping Car Park every Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., telephone 0453 84xxxx. Also Dursley on Friday mornings and Nailsworth on Thursday mornings. Details of hours and place from our main bureau in Stroud, open 5½ days a week – telephone 0453 76xxxx.

Barbara Adams
Assistant Manager
Wotton-under-Edge.

13

Since the re-opening of the Youth Club in January of this year the new membership has gone from strength to strength with, at the last count, 68 registered members having been issued with their membership cards. A new committee has been set up to put forward suggestions for possible activities, with Katie Peaster as the Chairman.

Past events have included a very enjoyable Unihockey tournament thanks to Babs Pearn and at present the snooker tournament is playing its semi-finals with Dave Loveridge safely through to the final.

Activities taking place, or at the discussion stage, are rock climbing at K.L.B., judo demonstration, badminton and rounders, and a trip to Alton Towers. Other activities of interest have been suggested but we do need people from the local community to come forward to give assistance.

If you have an interest or skill which you would be prepared to spend and evening or two sharing with the youth of the village – why not give them the opportunity to experience it by contacting either Steve Hake on Falfield 26xxxx or Margaret Coomber on Falfield 26xxxx.

The Youth Club meets at Charfield Memorial Hall on Tuesdays, 8 p.m. until 10.30 p.m. All are welcome, including those in the last term at Primary School.

Margaret K. Coomber
Youth Leader

14

SCHEDULE

CHARFIELD AUTUMN SHOW

CLASS 1 VEGETABLES

1. POTATOES 5 WHITE
2. POTATOES 5 COLOURED
3. CARROTS 3 STUMP ROOT – TRIMMED STEMS
4. CARROTS 3 LONG TRIMMED STEMS
5. ONIONS 3 MAX WEIGHT 12 OZS
6. ONIONS 3 LARGE
7. BEETROOT 3 GLOBE
8. LEEKS 3
9. RUNNER BEANS 6 PODS
10. CUCUMBERS 2
11. MARROW 2 TABLE SIZE
12. MARROW BIGGEST
13. TOMATOES 5

CLASS 2 FLOWERS AND POT PLANTS

14. CHRYSANTHAMUMS ANY VARIETY 3 BLOOMS
15. CHRYSANTHAMUMS 3 SPRAYS
16. DAHLIAS 3 DECORATIVE
17. DAHLIAS 3
18. GLADIOLI 3
19. CARNATIONS 3
20. SINGLE ROSE
21. ROSE FLORIBUNDA 3 STEMS
22. POT FUSCHIA
23. POT PELARGONIUM
24. POT FOLIAGE PLANT
25. CACTI OR SUCCULENT
26. VASE OF MIXED ANNUALS

CLASS 3 FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

27. FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 18″ OVERALL
28. PETITE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT 6″–9″ OVERALL
29. LADIES SPRAY
30. GENTS BUTTONHOLE

CLASS 4 CHILDRENS SECTION

31. GARDEN ON DINNER PLATE 5–9 YRS
32. GARDEN ON DINNER PLATE 10–14 YRS
33. VEGETABLE ANIMAL 5–9 YRS
34. VEGETABLE ANIMAL 10–14 YRS

ALL ENTRIES – 10 pence

PRIZE MONEY – 1st, 2nd and 3rd (Adults and children)

TROPHY – FOR HIGHEST POINTS EACH SECTION OF FLOWERS, VEGETABLES.

ROSETTE – FOR BEST EXHIBIT IN SHOW (Adults and children)

ENTRIES TO BE RECEIVED IN THE HALL ON THE DAY BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 10.45 A.M.

JUDGING TO TAKE PLACE FROM 11.15 A.M. WHEN HALL WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 12.30 P.M.

ALL EXHIBITORS MUST COMPLETE ENTRY FORMS

NO EXHIBITOR TO TAKE MORE THAN ONE AWARD IN ANY CLASS. PRIZE CARDS AWARDED FOR EACH CLASS. JUDGES DECISION IS FINAL.

EXHIBITS MUST BE THE PROPERTY OF AND GROWN BY EXHIBITOR.

COMPETITORS ARE ASKED TO PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CLASS SPECIFICATIONS WHICH WILL BE ADHERED TO.

COMPETITORS MUST SUPPLY ALL VASES, PLATES, ETC. USED FOR STAGING EXHIBITS. THE ORGANISERS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS, ETC. BUT EVERY CARE WILL BE TAKEN.

NO EXHIBITS TO BE REMOVED BEFORE 4 P.M.

NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITEMS LEFT AFTER 4.15 P.M.

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Advertising

[Advert for Manor Hair Fashions]

[Advert for Manor Fruiterers]

[Advert for Travel Plan Taxis]

[Advert for Tree Tops Carpets]

16

Please Note: If any of the above information is incorrect or requires amendment please contact the Editors as soon as possible so that it can be rectified before the next issue.

Telephone numbers commencing 84… use code 0453.
Numbers commencing 26… or 29… use code 0454.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 17 sides of A4 paper, including one page of commercial advertising.

Personal phone numbers and addresses have been redacted.

Minor typographical corrections and presentational changes have been made without comment.

Digitization by Brendan O'Connor.

Last update: 2017-01-16.